The ones who experienced, or have been witnesses to a natural disaster, traumatic event, or violent attack are at great risk of suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder. Depending on the type of event they experienced this anxiety disorder can be severe or mild. The ones who experience a severe form of post-traumatic stress disorder are also at a high risk of suicide. Studies show that only in the United States of America around 50,000 people commit suicide every year. Statistics state that more women than men attempt to commit suicide, but men are the ones who are more likely to succeed to do it.

What is the connection between PTSD and suicide?

Surveys show that the persons who found themselves at a moment in a critical situation, they have been assaulted, they have been witnesses in a traumatic event, or they have been involved in a life-threatening situation, are more likely to try to take their own life. Sexual assault can be one of the critical events in a person’s life that can trigger them PTSD. Around 25% of the persons who were raped at a moment in their life try to commit suicide. The rates of suicide attempts vary according to the type of event that triggers the PTSD.

• When a person is diagnosed with PTSD their family is informed if they are at risk to commit suicide or not, because they are the ones who can prevent this situation from happening.
• Studies show that approximately 30% of the persons who suffer from PTSD are at risk to want to take their life.

Post-traumatic stress disorder patients can reduce the risk of suicidal thoughts

The persons who have experienced a traumatic event state that it can have a great impact on their lives and it often causes PTSD. After the event, they start feeling constantly afraid, and the fear makes them isolate themselves from the others. Even if there are people who can support them, they may have no idea that they experienced a life-threatening event and now they are heading towards PTSD.

The majority of people who experience a traumatic event develop depression. Untreated depression is often the cause of suicide, so if you worry that someone is at risk to commit suicide, you should ask for professional help. The persons, who suffer from PTSD and are at risk to commit suicide, consider that this is the only way to escape from their symptoms.

How can PTSD patients safeguard themselves?

If you have experienced a traumatic event and you suffer from PTSD, then there are certain ways to manage your symptoms.

1. You should seek professional help, because there are experts who understand what you are going through and they can prevent your symptoms from getting worse.
2. You should also look for a way to relieve your stress. One effective way is to exercise. Also, you can attend yoga classes because they can help you relax.
3. It is important to talk with your loved ones about your condition, because they will be there for you unconditionally.